February 7, 2025

Job Cuts and Office Mandates: Real Estate Impact

A real estate saying I've heard since day one that has stuck with me is, "Homes are where jobs go to sleep at night." Job growth is one of the biggest indicators of where a market is headed. In Arlington, two opposing forces are at play: the downsizing of the federal workforce and the return-to-office mandate. Given Arlington’s proximity to D.C., both will have a significant impact on the local real estate market. Here are 5 ways that each could impact the market.
October 4, 2024

Missing Middle No More?

A circuit court judge has nullified Arlington’s Missing Middle zoning changes. Judge David Schell ruled against the county on four counts, citing failures to properly consider local impacts, follow correct procedures, and comply with state tree canopy regulations during the adoption of the amendments.
September 19, 2024

The Interest Rate-Condo Price Connection

Low interest rates, while often seen as a driver of real estate transactions, can also discourage homeowners from selling their properties. Many owners secured their homes during a period of historically low mortgage rates. These favorable rates made owning a home more affordable by reducing monthly mortgage payments. If they were to sell, they would likely face much higher interest rates when purchasing a new home, leading to significantly higher monthly payments. This "rate lock-in" effect causes homeowners to think twice about selling,
July 17, 2024

A Tale of Two Cities

People often ask me how the condo market in Arlington compares to the condo market in DC. Both are dense, urban areas that have a shared history. Arlington was part of the original ten-mile square surveyed in 1791 for the Nation’s Capital. In 1847, at the request of the local residents, Congress retroceded Arlington to the Commonwealth of Virginia.